I remember before the trip I was worried about not connecting with my peers, not being able to perform tasks properly, or just plain feeling out of place. I was still excited, but the worries were still present. None of these things happened. By the end of the week, I had no problem starting a conversation with any member of the group. I mastered my construction tasks. And I have yet to find a place I feel more comfortable in than with that group in that dorm. I grew closer to my teachers and to others - in fact, I still talk to some members of the group on a daily basis, having formed some potential lifelong connections. Although I have yet to get involved in Habitat in Ohio, I have every intention to do so when I can, because I realised there that this is a positive force in my life that I want to keep. Because of this trip, I was finally able to let my guard down and connect with new people, as well as finalise my decision to go into history. Many people did not understand what I was talking about when I returned from the trip when I brought up how emotionally touching the experience was, and I still have difficulty expressing how much I needed it at the time, but I can say with confidence that this week was a turning point in my life.